Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity

Sexuality/Sexual Orientation	Mental Health Issues
Gender Identity	Helpful Resources
Homophobia/Transphobia

The word "sexuality" means different things to different people. Generally, it refers to an individual's personal experience of being attracted to other people and the body's sexual feelings and response to those people. There are lots of terms that are connected to sexuality such as sexual orientation, gender identity, bisexuality and more. Read on to learn more about yourself and others in your community.

What is sexual orientation?

Sexual orientation refers to the gender of a person who we become sexually attracted to. People who identify as "straight" or "heterosexual" will describe being attracted to people of the opposite gender. "Homosexuality" or "gay" orientation refers to people who have sexual attractions to members of their own gender. "Lesbian" refers specifically to women who identify as gay or homosexual. "Bisexual" refers to people who have sexual attractions to both genders, male or female. "Pansexual" is a relatively new term used by people who have sexual attractions to all people, regardless of their gender (people who may not express being fully male or fully female).

How do I know my sexual orientation?

It may take a different amount of time to understand ourselves and our attractions to others. For example, people who have repeated crushes and/or pleasurable body experiences with other people of the same gender, but have no crushes or pleasurable experiences with people of the opposite gender will ultimately report being "gay" or "lesbian". Having one or a few experiences with somebody of the same gender does not automatically make you gay or even bisexual. Sometimes it takes a long time to understand our bodies and how they react to other people.

When will I know my sexual orientation?

There is no official time that determines our sexual orientation. During adolescence, our brain starts to release certain hormones that help our bodies go through puberty and change. This happens over many years. At the same time, we may start developing crushes towards other people, which may lead to having a pleasurable sexual experience.

Is it OK to be gay or bisexual?

Yes. Although religions and cultures may have traditional beliefs that these types of feelings shouldn't be expressed in our behavior, current medical and psychiatric organizations have long taken the stance that being "lesbian" or "bisexual" is normal. Many lesbian and bisexual people are able to keep their religious values and cultural identity, yet feel comfortable to express their sexuality. There are also many religious figures in the community who are accepting of people of all sexual orientations.

Next: Gender Identity

Written and reviewed by the CYWH Staff at Children's Hospital Boston

Updated: 1/24/2011